A Best In-Depth Articles of 2025: A Selection of Profound Journalism

As we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.

The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.

A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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